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In this Season 2 finale, hosts Dr. Farzad Kamyar and Amani Wilson explore why comprehensive wrap around services are essential for pregnant and postpartum individuals with substance use disorder to achieve lasting recovery and resiliency.

The conversation features Dr. Andria Peterson, co-founder and executive of EMPOWERED, who shares the program's compelling origin story and the critical gaps in care that led to its creation. As a PharmD with extensive community health experience, Dr. Peterson explains her innovative approach to maternal substance use treatment and why integrated services create vital support networks that address the whole person.

Joining her is Rachel Mack, EMPOWERED's Director and licensed Social Worker/Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor, who brings frontline perspective from her work with clients experiencing opioid use disorder. Together, they illuminate specific wrap-around services that have proven most critical for supporting recovery and how comprehensive support addresses social determinants of health.

The episode explores SBIRT principles and their implementation in maternal care settings, revealing transformative differences between comprehensive support versus traditional single-focus treatment methods.

This conversation reinforces that recovery is possible with proper support systems. The guests emphasize that resiliency develops through connection, comprehensive support, and community involvement. Whether you're a healthcare provider, on your own recovery journey, or supporting a loved one, this finale offers hope and evidence-based insights for moving from surviving to thriving.

If you live in Southern Nevada, in Reno, Carson City, Churchill County, or Lyon County in Northern Nevada, or in Weber County or Davis County in Utah, and you’re pregnant or recently had a baby and using opioids or stimulants for any reason, there is non-judgmental help available to you. No referral or insurance is required. Visit empoweredmoms.org for information or to request services.

If you live outside of these areas, we encourage you to find resources in your community.

EMPOWERED Voices is a podcast production of the EMPOWERED program at Roseman University College of Medicine, supported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Overdose Data to Action Grant through the Southern Nevada Health District. This project has been funded by grant number NH28CE003534 from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The contents are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the official views of, nor an endorsement, by the Southern Nevada Health District, CDC, or the U.S. Government.

Hosted by Dr. Farzad Kamyar, and Amani Wilson.

Executive Producers are Dr. Andria Peterson and Jason Roth, with production assistance by Rachel Mack.

Recorded at the Video Podcast Studio at Canico Media in Las Vegas, Nevada.

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In this powerful episode of EMPOWERED Voices: Recovery to Resiliency, Dr. Farzad Kamyar and Amani Wilson tackle the often stigmatized topic of substance use during pregnancy. Joined by special guest Dr. Manijeh "MJ" Kamyar, they provide a compassionate, judgment-free discussion that combines medical expertise with personal experience.

Dr. MJ Kamyar brings her extensive expertise as a board-certified Maternal Fetal Medicine specialist at the High Risk Pregnancy Center in Las Vegas. Dr. Kamyar has dedicated her career to supporting women through complicated pregnancies with clear communication and compassionate care. Her passion for turning scary situations into positive experiences for parents makes her the perfect guest for this sensitive topic.

The episode explores critical aspects of prenatal care for those struggling with substance use disorders, offering evidence-based information on substance-specific risks while dispelling common misconceptions. The hosts and guest examine barriers to care—including legal concerns, social stigma, and fear of child removal—while highlighting successful integrated care models.

Dr. MJ shares valuable insights on pregnancy-safe treatment approaches, while Amani offers personal perspective on how pregnancy can serve as a powerful catalyst for recovery. This essential conversation provides resources and hope, emphasizing that recovery journeys can begin at any point during pregnancy with the right support systems in place.

Whether you're a healthcare provider, someone in recovery, or simply interested in understanding this important issue, this episode delivers practical information and inspiration with empathy and honesty.

If you live in Southern Nevada, in Reno, Carson City, Churchill County, or Lyon County in Northern Nevada, or in Weber County or Davis County in Utah, and you’re pregnant or recently had a baby and using opioids or stimulants for any reason, there is non-judgmental help available to you. No referral or insurance is required. Visit empoweredmoms.org for information or to request services.

If you live outside of these areas, we encourage you to find resources in your community.

EMPOWERED Voices is a podcast production of the EMPOWERED program at Roseman University College of Medicine, supported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Overdose Data to Action Grant through the Southern Nevada Health District. This project has been funded by grant number NH28CE003534 from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The contents are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the official views of, nor an endorsement, by the Southern Nevada Health District, CDC, or the U.S. Government.

Hosted by Dr. Farzad Kamyar, and Amani Wilson.

Executive Producers are Dr. Andria Peterson and Jason Roth, with production assistance by Rachel Mack.

Recorded at the Video Podcast Studio at Canico Media in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Send us a text

In this illuminating episode, hosts Dr. Farzad Kamyar and Amani Wilson explore the intricate interconnection between mind, body, and spirit in recovery. Joined by licensed clinical social worker Rachel Williams and distinguished psychologist Dr. Stephanie Woodard, they delve into holistic approaches that address the full spectrum of healing beyond traditional treatment methods.

The conversation examines how substance use disorders affect multiple dimensions of a person's well-being, highlighting therapeutic techniques that integrate physical, mental, spiritual, social, and environmental elements. Our guests share insights from their extensive clinical experience, discussing how mindfulness practices and authentic self-expression can become powerful catalysts in the recovery journey.

Listeners will gain practical wellness tools for holistic healing and learn how finding one's authentic voice contributes to lasting recovery. The discussion offers valuable perspectives on creating supportive environments that encourage honest communication, whether as someone in recovery or as a loved one seeking to understand.

This episode bridges science and spirituality, demonstrating how true healing emerges when we honor the whole person and recognize that recovery isn't just about sobriety—it's about rediscovering one's complete self beyond substance use and embracing a journey of comprehensive wellness.

If you live in Southern Nevada, in Reno, Carson City, Churchill County, or Lyon County in Northern Nevada, or in Weber County or Davis County in Utah, and you’re pregnant or recently had a baby and using opioids or stimulants for any reason, there is non-judgmental help available to you. No referral or insurance is required. Visit empoweredmoms.org for information or to request services.

If you live outside of these areas, we encourage you to find resources in your community.

EMPOWERED Voices is a podcast production of the EMPOWERED program at Roseman University College of Medicine, supported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Overdose Data to Action Grant through the Southern Nevada Health District. This project has been funded by grant number NH28CE003534 from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The contents are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the official views of, nor an endorsement, by the Southern Nevada Health District, CDC, or the U.S. Government.

Hosted by Dr. Farzad Kamyar, and Amani Wilson.

Executive Producers are Dr. Andria Peterson and Jason Roth, with production assistance by Rachel Mack.

Recorded at the Video Podcast Studio at Canico Media in Las Vegas, Nevada.